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Accounting is a field that has been around for nearly as long as currency has been used. The history of accounting can be traced far back in history to ancient civilizations like Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Babylon. The Roman Empire, for example, kept detailed records of financial transactions. However, it wasn’t until the early 1800s that accounting became a formal profession. Today, the accounting process involves recording, summarizing, analyzing, and reporting an organization’s financial transactions and sharing these details with parties like tax collectors, regulators, or oversight agencies. Financial statements created by Accountants provide a brief overview of all financial transactions that took place during a specific period of time and provide an overview of how an organization is operating, as well as its cash flows and financial status.

Accounting plays a core role in almost every business, regardless of its size or industry focus. Accounting tasks may be handled by an Accountant or Bookkeeper within small organizations, whereas larger businesses may rely on an entire finance department to keep track of financial information. Because the field of accounting is so broad, there are several types of accounting that fall under its umbrella. Financial accounting entails creating interim and annual financial statements that detail any financial transactions that took place during this time. Cost accounting is performed to help an organization make informed decisions pertaining to what products should cost. Managerial accounting is similar to financial accounting in terms of the data it evaluates, but this information is stored and organized into monthly or quarterly reports and includes details about budgeting and forecasting. Tax accounting entails working with local, state, or federal rules and balancing compliance with reporting rules while at the same time reducing an organization’s tax liability. Regardless of the industry it’s used in or the type of financial transactions being performed, the accounting process plays a crucial role in an organization’s overall financial well-being and its ability to perform daily activities.

Industries That Use Accounting

Because the field of accounting involves keeping a record of financial transactions that occur within an organization, accounting is used in virtually all industries and organizations across the US. Within academia, colleges and universities rely on Bookkeepers and Accountants to keep expenses and revenue in order, as well as performing tasks like ensuring different departments are adequately funded and that financial aid packages for students will be sufficient to cover their tuition. Within the government sector, Accountants are involved with keeping accurate records of revenue and expenditures, as well as balancing financial records for different initiatives and programs. Those who work in hospitality at hotels, motels, or restaurants often hire in-house Accountants to perform daily auditing tasks and submit their financial reports to the manager in the morning to make sure that any expenses have been paid and the money coming into the business is sufficient to cover its financial obligations. Healthcare providers often turn to those who have a background in accounting to communicate with insurance companies to provide financing options for patients’ medical care. Even those who work in the retail sector use Accountants to perform daily finance audits overnight, as well as yearlong revenue balancing.

Accounting Jobs & Salaries

Accounting is an in-demand career path because nearly any organization in any industry relies on those with finance skills to help them balance budgets, make financial forecasts, perform audits, and file taxes. Pay rates are typically high for Accountants because of the integral role they play in helping their organization achieve and maintain financial solvency. The current average salary for Accountants in the US is $78,000 a year, though this pay rate varies significantly depending on the location and type of accounting being performed. Accountants who work in New York City earn an average yearly pay of around $83,000. Those who work in San Francisco earn $91,000 annually. On the lower end of the accounting salary range would be Accountants who work in Dayton, Ohio, and make around $65,000 a year.

Some of the highest-paying industries where Accountants work include insurance and finance, government, and enterprise or company management. Those whose accounting efforts focus on Pipeline Transportation of crude oil, as well as computer equipment manufacturing accounting, can earn a yearly mean wage of over $123,000. Employees of the Federal Executive Branch make around $107,000 a year. Depending on industry focus, as well as the type of accounting being performed and the individual’s experience level, Accountants in the US earn a salary that ranges from under $60,000 to over $120,000.

Many accounting jobs are available for those who have acquired the necessary training such as passing the Certified Public Accountant exam or the Certified Management Accountant test. Career options in accounting are currently available in many industries, departments, and niches. Auditors perform tasks like safeguarding assets and ensuring their organization is in compliance with any established reporting requirements. Managerial Accountants work with financial transactions to provide their organization with recommendations pertaining to goods manufacturing. Forensic Accountants evaluate an individual’s or an organization's internal or external activity. Controllers work with financial reporting, procurement, and accounts payable/receivable. Information and Technology Accountants are tasked with maintaining the software and systems where accounting records are stored and processed.

Are There Prerequisites to Learning Accounting?

If you’re interested in pursuing an accounting career, you may not be certain what skills to have as a prerequisite. Studying basic technical accounting skills is a good starting point. Because so many Accountants work with financial statements, knowledge of how to create, track, and report income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements is a huge benefit before embarking on formal study. Additionally, it’s important to be current with the latest trends in accounting, including how blockchain and cloud computing are affecting this field. Students of accounting also benefit from a background in related fields like business, mathematics, computer science, finance, economics, and management.

Knowledge of accounting software is also a huge plus, though not always required, as a prerequisite to accounting study. In addition to a familiarity with the Google suite, aspiring Accountants may also want to brush up on their Excel spreadsheet skills, because many accounting tasks are performed using this industry-standard application. Similarly, knowledge of AI and financial modeling software like Oracle BI or IBM Cognos can also be a huge plus, as is training in process automation. In addition to financial knowledge and technical training, you may also wish to brush up on some soft skills before pursuing coursework in accounting. Clear communication, time management, problem-solving, critical thinking, and an eye for detail are just a few of the essential soft skills you’ll likely need when working in any accounting-related position.

Is It Difficult to Learn Accounting?

Learning accounting can be an extremely rewarding process, one that can lead to a high-paying career that allows you to combine organization skills with mathematical training and bookkeeping. However, some individuals may shy away from the possibility of embarking on accounting coursework because they worry it will be too difficult. Although accounting does require that you have a range of soft and hard skills like Excel proficiency, an eye for detail, and a background working with bookkeeping software, those who apply themselves to their studies can master these concepts and acquire basic proficiency in this field through several years of coursework. Some of the hardest aspects of learning accounting involve learning how to organize and maintain financial records, prepare tax filings and financial records, and spot ways for an organization to reduce costs and increase revenue.

Some learners opt to acquire accounting training at a four-year college or university, whereas others may prefer to enroll in certificate programs that teach hands-on accounting training in only months. Although the difficulty of learning accounting depends on your prior knowledge and skills, most individuals who select an area of accounting specialization (such as financial accounting, bookkeeping, or forensic accounting) and devote their energy to their studies can streamline the learning process and tailor their studies to the skills they most need and may not already possess.

What Will You Learn in an Accounting Course?

If you’re ready to embark on your accounting learning journey, you may not be certain what to expect from coursework. While the content you study will depend on the classes you select, the educational provider, and your ultimate professional goals, there are several key skills you can expect to acquire during your studies. Beginner-friendly accounting coursework generally starts by providing participants with a basic overview of key accounting principles and terms used in this field. Once students receive this foundational training, they learn how to apply accounting practices that result in more sound financial decisions. Some accounting classes provide learners with real-world projects that give them the opportunity to work on an actual company’s financial statements. Instruction is typically provided in core accounting skills like working with income statements, balance sheets, accrual accounting, and cash flow statements. Participants in accounting classes, in particular those with a more advanced focus, will also likely encounter training in computer science, high-level mathematics, financial modeling, and advanced Excel.

Best Accounting Classes & Schools

If you’re interested in getting started on your accounting learning journey, many excellent study options are available from top providers around the country. Those who reside in the New York City metro area can enroll in NYIM Training’s Financial Modeling Bootcamp. This intensive program prepares learners for a career as a Financial Analyst. Participants learn Excel’s advanced finance functions, core accounting and corporate finance principles, and how to create a financial model to value a public company. Coursework includes instruction in sensitivity analysis, modeling shortcuts, cash flow projection tools, enterprise value, and investments. As a prerequisite, prior financial training is useful, though not required. Intermediate-level Excel proficiency, including how to work with PivotTables, IF statements, and VLOOKUP, is required. Tuition is $995 and includes a free course retake for up to a year. This class requires 18 hours of live instruction to complete. NYC residents can also enroll in Noble’s Financial Analyst Training Program. This intensive course covers basic to intermediate-level spreadsheet skills, corporate finance terminology and skills, and how to create a 3-statement valuation model for a public company. It’s suggested that those who wish to enroll in this program have prior knowledge of accounting and finance. This 30-hour program is available for $1,295. All learners can retake this class for one full year at no additional cost.

If you’re in the greater Los Angeles area, you can study accounting in Santa Monica College’s Investment Bootcamp. This one-day program costs $58. Instruction is provided on the mechanics behind mutual funds, stocks, bonds, annuities, and real estate, as well as the potential returns in each. Students acquire training in tax strategies and money-management principles. Proof of vaccination must be submitted by all participants prior to the first class meeting. Learners in Los Angeles can also receive beginner-level instruction by enrolling in Bookkeeping/Accounting Analysis & Concepts, which is offered by Los Angeles City College. This one-day course costs $149. Students study how to work with skills like reporting, analysis, and record-keeping, which are essential for operating a business. Coursework includes training in preparing profile & loss statements, cash flow statements, and balance sheets, as well as how to set up a chart of accounts and file a Schedule C.

In addition to in-person coursework, accounting classes are also offered in the live online learning environment. QuickBooks Online QuickStart is offered by ONLC Training Centers and provides instruction in how to work with QuickBooks Online. Students explore how to use this program to create a new company, manage customer invoices and bills, work with transactions and bank accounts, and add vendors and customers. As a prerequisite to enrollment, students should be familiar with basic accounting practices. This full-day program costs $445. The American Management Association’s How to Speak Accounting course is also offered live online. This program spans one full day and costs $279. Learners acquire training in the language of accounting, as well as how to work with financial statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.

Corporate and On-site Accounting Training

In addition to many excellent bootcamps and certificate programs available throughout the country in accounting, corporate training options in finance are also available from Noble Desktop for employers seeking to train their employees in this in-demand skill set. Training options are available in the live online format as well as onsite at your location. Employees who complete corporate training receive hands-on instruction in core finance and accounting skills and concepts such as FinTech, financial modeling, financial analysis, and how Python is used in finance. These flexible learning options allow the employer to decide which skills would be most beneficial for their employees to acquire and tailor training options to satisfy this need while also working around employees’ schedules. You can also schedule a free consultation with Noble to discuss customization options for study. Group vouchers can be purchased in bulk for a discount, which provides a way for employees to complete their study around other work or personal commitments. If you are interested in learning more about corporate accounting training options, don’t hesitate to contact Noble today to explore the possibilities.

Elizabeth Gleesing

Elizabeth Gleesing is a university instructor and content writer at Noble Desktop. She earned her PhD in English from Syracuse University in 2023 with research focusing on how documentaries incorporate digital and new media technologies. Her research into artificial intelligence, data analysis, and emerging technologies informs her content writing as she frequently works on articles related to careers in data science, data analytics, AI, and related software.Elizabeth also has over ten years of experience teaching undergraduates in universities and colleges in New York and Washington state and won the Syracuse University English department’s Elson Teaching Award in 2019. Her experience in instruction allows her to coherently explain difficult topics to a variety of audiences.

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Financial Accounting Bootcamp Learn The Skills Guarantee™

Learn More About Accounting Courses

Industries That Use Accounting

Accounting Jobs & Salaries

Are There Prerequisites to Learning Accounting?

Is It Difficult to Learn Accounting?

What Will You Learn in an Accounting Course?

Best Accounting Classes & Schools

Corporate and On-site Accounting Training

Accounting Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

Accounting Training Map & Top Locations

7 Courses Available Live Online

4 Courses Available in NYC

4 Courses Available in Los Angeles

1 Course Available in Chicago

Careers & Salaries Related to Accounting

Accounting
Corporate & Onsite Training